February & Political News from the Town Clerk

Jan 29, 2018 06:00AM
● By Pamela Johnson

2018 is going to be a busy year, with several elections, special ballot questions and three scheduled town meetings. For further information regarding dates and deadlines, please consult the elections calendar below, or check online at www.BellinghamMA.org.

By now, you should have received your Annual Street Listing (Town Census) document. If not, it should be arriving very soon. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 51, Section 4, all residents are required to respond to the annual census. Failure to do so may result in removal from the town resident directory and the voter rolls. Also, the census numbers determine aid to the towns from the state.

Please fill out the form within ten (10) days of receiving it and return it to the Town Clerk’s Office. You may return it in person, by mail, or by dropping it off at several locations around town (Library, Senior Center, Rockland Trust Bank).

Residents should also be aware that it is once again time to renew your annual dog license. Please detach the licensing form at the bottom of the census and return the filled-out form with proof of current rabies coverage and a check for $15 (neutered) or $20 (non-neutered). State law dictates that all dogs be licensed each year by April 1. Failure to do so will result in late fees and non-criminal citations, which can be very costly.

Please return your census form in a timely manner to comply with state laws, and please license your dog(s) by April 1st to avoid expensive state-required fees and fines.

Officials to Be Elected

Following is a list of town offices and terms of office which will be listed on the warrant for the Annual Town Election on May 1.

Political Calendar for 2018

Following is a list of important dates regarding the Special Town Meeting (Marijuana Zoning), the Annual Town Election and Financial Town Meeting in the Town of Bellingham for the year 2018. DATE/DEADLINE EVENTFeb. 13, 8:30 AM First day to obtain blank nomination papers from Town Clerk Feb. 13, 8:00 PM Last day, voter registration for Special Election Mar. 8, 5:00 PM Last day to obtain blank nomination papers from Town Clerk Mar. 13, 5:00 PM Submit nomination papers to Board of Registrars (by Town Clerk)March 6, 2018 Special Town Election, Ballot Question Regarding Marijuana Zoning March 27, 5:00 PM File nomination papers with Town Clerk (by Board of Registrars)March 28, 6:30PM SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, Marijuana Zoning, Bellingham High School AuditoriumMarch 29, 5:00 PM Last day for withdrawal of and/or objections to nomination papers. April 11, 8:00 PM Last Day for voter registration for Annual Town Election April 24, 12:00 PM Last Day to Post Warrant for Annual Town Election, by SelectmenMAY 1, 2018 ANNUAL TOWN ELECTIONMay 3, 8:00 PM Last day for voter registration for Annual Town MeetingMay 11, 5:00 PM Last day to file recount petition May 23, 7:30 PM ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, Bellingham High School AuditoriumOCT. 10, 7:30 PM SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, Bellingham High School Auditorium